Patient Blood Management Program
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines patient blood management as a patient-centered, systematic, evidence-based approach to improve patient outcomes by managing and preserving a patient’s own blood while promoting patient safety and empowerment.
More About Patient Blood Management
At St. Vincent Healthcare our focus is to ensure the Right Patient gets the Right Blood Product at the Right Time, and only when they truly need it.
More About Our Blood Conservation Program
We are proud to be one of only seven hospitals in the nation to be certified by the Joint Commission as a Patient Blood Management facility. The Patient Blood Management Certification is a two-year voluntary certification that provides a third-party evaluation of patient blood management programs. The certification is an evidence-based approach to optimizing care of patients who might need a transfusion. It is based on the AABB Standards for a Patient Blood Management Program and guides organizations in realizing the maximum benefits of their blood management programs.
What does our Patient Blood Management Program mean for our patients?
While blood transfusions have the ability to save lives and improve health, they are not without risk. Blood transfusions are associated with:
- Immunosuppression
- Longer lengths of stay in the hospital
- Increased morbidity and mortality
Our Patient Blood Management Program is multifaceted, and approaches patient care from a variety of strategies, including:
- Blood Conservation Program – allows us to provide care, including procedures, and avoid blood transfusions.
- Thromboelastography (TEG) Testing - enables us to deliver exactly the right blood product the patient needs and helps avoid unnecessary transfusions.
- Use of pharmaceutical products, rather than blood products. Several pharmaceutical products are available to treat bleeding and coagulation problems and avoid blood transfusions.
